Influential Artist Charles Gaines '67 Featured in Exhibition and Talk

Gaines' conceptual art explores relationships between the objective and subjective realms.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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RIT is hosting an exhibition and artist talk featuring influential conceptual artist Charles Gaines '67 MFA. The exhibition at the University Gallery traces Gaines' career and illustrates his sustained interest in the lyrical potential of logical systems. Gaines will also give a companion artist talk at the Memorial Art Gallery. The exhibition and events are part of a multi-venue celebration of Gaines' work in the Rochester area.

Why it matters

Charles Gaines is a pivotal figure in the field of conceptual art, known for his innovative use of formulas and systems to interrogate the relationships between the objective and subjective realms. This exhibition and talk provide an opportunity for the RIT community and the public to engage with Gaines' groundbreaking work and learn from his influential career as an artist, theorist, and teacher.

The details

The exhibition at RIT's University Gallery features Gaines' printmaking, drawing, and an early painting that has not been seen by the public in over 50 years. Curated by Ellen Tani, assistant professor of art history, the exhibition is part of a multi-venue celebration of Gaines' work in the Rochester area, including events at the Memorial Art Gallery and Visual Studies Workshop. Gaines is also set to give a companion artist talk at the Memorial Art Gallery, and a screening of the film "In Dialogue: Collaborations with Charles Gaines" will take place at Visual Studies Workshop.

  • The exhibition at RIT's University Gallery will be on view from March 16 to April 10, 2026.
  • Gaines' artist talk at the Memorial Art Gallery is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
  • The film "In Dialogue: Collaborations with Charles Gaines" will screen at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Visual Studies Workshop.

The players

Charles Gaines

An influential conceptual artist, theorist, and teacher who earned his MFA from RIT in 1967. Gaines' work engages formulas and systems that interrogate relationships between the objective and subjective realms.

Ellen Tani

Assistant professor of art history at RIT, who curated the exhibition featuring Gaines' work at the University Gallery.

John Aäsp

Gallery director for RIT's College of Art and Design, who collaborated with Ellen Tani on the programming for the Gaines exhibition.

Memorial Art Gallery

One of the venues hosting events as part of the multi-venue celebration of Gaines' work, including his artist talk.

Visual Studies Workshop

Another venue hosting events as part of the multi-venue celebration, including a screening of the film "In Dialogue: Collaborations with Charles Gaines".

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What they’re saying

“Gaines' upcoming exhibition in RIT's University Gallery traces a loose arc of his career and illustrates his sustained interest in the lyrical potential of logical systems.”

— Ellen Tani, Assistant Professor of Art History (rit.edu)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This exhibition and talk provide a valuable opportunity for the RIT community and the public to engage with the groundbreaking conceptual art of Charles Gaines, a pivotal figure who has had a lasting impact on the field through his innovative use of formulas, systems, and the exploration of the relationship between the objective and subjective realms.